The father of the killer who bludgeoned Sabina Nessa to death has begged him to explain why. But Bashkim Selamaj believes his son is too ashamed to face him and has twice refused to see him in prison.
Koci Selamaj targeted Sabina, 28, as she walked through a park in South East London. He hit her around the head with a hazard triangle 34 times before strangling her to death.
It came after a failed meeting at a hotel where he had hoped to have sex with his estranged wife who was a chambermaid there. Albanian national and garage worker Koci, 36, has refused to say why he killed teacher Sabina.
And as reported by the Mirror, he has declined family visits following his despicable crime. Bashkim, 71, said he has twice travelled to HMP Belmarsh in South London but his son was too ashamed to see him.
“Koci has a strong character. Now he is realising what he has done and has shame on himself," said Bashkim from his home in Elbasan, central Albania.
“That shame stops him from meeting me or his sister who did try meeting him as well. He does not want to tell me why he murdered that girl. I’d like to know from him why he did it.
"I have sent several letters but no reply. I came to London two times.
"After booking a visit to see him, I went twice to Belmarsh. It was the same story. Guards asked him to get out of the jail to meet me. He refused two times.”
Sabina was murdered by Koci in Cator Park in Kidbrooke last September. The Old Bailey heard Koci had booked a £325 room at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex, that night in the hope of having sex with his estranged wife, who was a chambermaid there.
Staff had felt “there was something not quite right about him”. And after a dispute over payment, they called police although no officers attended.
The killer made his way to London and picked primary teacher Sabina at random as she crossed the park to meet a friend for a drink. He was jailed for life in April and must serve at least 36 years.
Bashkim said: “The murder of Sabina caused a huge tragedy to her family. We still cannot believe how our son got involved in murdering her.
“We never have had any problem with him. How could he hit a person he didn’t know 34 times?"
He continued: "We are so sad for Sabina. She was a human and did not deserve death in that way.
“What happened last year has caused another tragedy, to our family. I am an older man suffering from several illnesses after a head operation several years ago.
“I am full of pain for Sabina losing her life and at the same time for my son who has been unwilling to talk to us for 12 months.
“Due to my age, I do not know if I will ever see Koci again. I am going to die without seeing him. It’s the same for my wife Tefta. I do not wish this position on anyone."
A vigil was held this week to remember Sabina, with friends and family staging a walk of solidarity and remembrance. Sister Jebina Islam said: “It’s time for change, it’s time to put an end to violence against women and girls.”
